Putting · Drill
Balance a Coin on Your Putter for a Smooth Transition
Part of our putting programs. Build a program with it
A jerky change of direction ruins putts. Here's a simple check. Balance a coin on the back of your putter head. Make slow practice strokes. Try to keep the coin on through the change from back to forward. If it falls off, your transition was too sudden. Smooth it out. Many good putters also use a rhythm where the backstroke takes about twice as long as the forward stroke.
The drill
- Put a coin on the back of the putter head.
- Make slow strokes.
- Keep the coin on through the transition.
- Smooth it out if it falls.
- Aim for about a 2-to-1 rhythm.
Why it works
A putter changes direction at the end of the backstroke. If you jerk the handle or hit at the ball from the top, the head moves sharply and the face can twist, so the ball starts off line and the speed varies. A smooth change lets the putter slow, stop and then gather speed gradually. The coin only stays on when the head moves without a sudden shift, which is why it shows you the quality of your transition.
Common mistakes
- You stroke too fast, so the coin falls off even with a decent motion.Slow the whole stroke down until the coin stays on, then add speed in small steps.
- You snap the hands or wrists at the top to start the forward stroke.Let the arms and shoulders rock the putter, and keep your grip pressure light and even through the change.
- You rush the backstroke and then have to hurry the forward stroke to catch up.Count a steady beat so the backstroke takes about twice as long as the forward stroke, with no pause at the top.
How you'll know it's working
- The coin stays on the putter head through the change of direction on most of your practice strokes.
- On real putts, the ball starts on your chosen line and rolls at a steady pace.
- Your stroke feels like one continuous swing with no hit or jab at the ball.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Use a wider, flatter coin and make short strokes of only a few inches each way until the coin stays on.
Harder: Make longer strokes, as you would for a 20-foot putt, and keep the coin on through the change and past impact.
Common questions
Why does the coin fall off my putter when I putt?
It usually falls because the stroke is too fast or the change of direction is sudden. Slow down and keep your hands quiet at the top of the backstroke.
What is a good putting tempo?
Many golfers use a backstroke that takes about twice as long as the forward stroke. Count it out loud in practice until it feels natural, then keep it the same for every length of putt.
